Bridget Catherine Miller

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Ms Miller, a salaried partner at WGS Solicitors, admitted allegation 3.1 that she materially contributed to the Firm's anti-money laundering failures in respect of client Person B1, by failing to scrutinise source of funds and to properly assess transaction risk. The Tribunal approved an Agreed Outcome, assessing the misconduct as moderately serious (Fine Band Level 3). No dishonesty was alleged or found. She was fined £3,500 (reduced for limited means) and ordered to pay £6,500 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• AML and crime-prevention compliance
• Good faith and courtesy to colleagues

Aggravating factors:

• Misconduct continued over a lengthy period of time
• She knew or ought reasonably to have known the conduct was in material breach of obligations to protect the public and reputation of the profession

Mitigating factors:

• Full co-operation with the SRA's investigation
• Good record of compliance over a long-standing career
• Breach not intentional or reckless; failure to appreciate duties in context of Firm's inadequate governance and MLRO failings
• Acted promptly upon identifying warning signs
• Insight and remorse, undergone extensive training
• Lengthy investigation impacting physical and mental health
• Conduct occurred at an early stage of MLR implementation with underdeveloped guidance